In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Wood Pro Chipper - thoughts?

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by bushpilot, Dec 21, 2017.

  1. bushpilot

    bushpilot

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    I see this on CL, it looks like something that will serve my needs. Wood Chipper / Shredder

    My need - I have 10 acres of mostly evergreens, overgrown. I want to chip rather than burn slash as I thin the overgrowth. It is a part-time multi-year project.

    Thoughts? Recommendations? Exerience?

    Thanks in advance!
     
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  2. J. Dirt

    J. Dirt

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    I’ve run a few different styles not this one in particular, but usually the self feed style like this without a hydraulic feed roller makes for a lot of trimming and :headbang:. So hydraulic feed is a big plus! As far as engine and throat size you can never have to much power! That chipper you have the link to might be a bit small and want to choke on pine brush. I’d say at least a 6” chipper with hydraulic feed would be good. I’ve also run the old chuck and duck drum chippers and let me tell you they shred a lot in a hurry as well as stealing gloves or worse. Forgot to mention surf good old YouTube to see the one your looking at in operation or see if you can test run it.
     
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  3. woody5506

    woody5506

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    My experience is limited...But of the chippers I've used, as said by J. Dirt, the 6" capacity hydraulic feed was pretty mint. The one I used after that was a sluggish 4" capacity that could hardly get through a 3" limb. Required ridiculous amounts of trimming. It got the job done, just very slowly. I can't believe the rental place was actually renting it out and making money from it.
     
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  4. 94BULLITT

    94BULLITT

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    It probably would be comparable to a Wallenstien BX42S, other than the Wally is PTO driven. Given its size it won't be super fast but it should get the job done.

     
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  5. tamarack

    tamarack

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    I would add x2 on what j. Dirt said about hydraulic feed, kind of a pita without it. Does the chipper in your link have knives or hammers in it.?
     
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  6. bushpilot

    bushpilot

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    It has knives, either 2 or 4, I am not sure (haven't seen it yet), no hammers. It has a 20" chipper wheel.

    The seller is busy the next few days (imagine that!), but I should be able to go see it on Tuesday. Any suggestions as to what specifically I should be looking for on a chipper? I am a decent mechanic, so can recognize basic mechanical problems.
     
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  7. 94BULLITT

    94BULLITT

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    Make sure the bearings are smooth and no play. Check the condition of the knives. Then of course the normal stuff on the engine.

    Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
     
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  8. bushpilot

    bushpilot

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    Got it. It has a spare set of knives, never used. I'll check the bearings. Thanks!
     
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  9. RCBS

    RCBS

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    Briggs Vanguard is a solid engine.
     
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  10. bushpilot

    bushpilot

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    I thought so, thanks.
     
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  11. Barcroftb

    Barcroftb

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    I'd echo what J. Dirt said. I've used many different chippers over the years. Hydro feed is where it's at!

    The general rule of thumb is divide the max capacity by 2 and you get the max diameter a residential/semi pro unit will handle easily. This is a semi pro unit. It sounds like it would do mostly what you need it to do as long as you don't expect it to be fast on larger stuff. The scenario goes like this: Take a 4" branch and stuff it in. When the engine lugs back off pressure until rpm's come back up. Rinse and repeat.
     
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  12. J. Dirt

    J. Dirt

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    Mmmmm baby :eek: slightly scary s.o.b but I enjoy feeding them
    A friend of mines got one just like it and boy does she eat! Although dry hardwood isn’t it’s favorite meal kind of finicky
     
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  13. Barcroftb

    Barcroftb

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    Better wear your chaps backwards. I learned that little trick when I owned a chuck n duck. Helps prevent welts and bruises on your azz and backs of your legs. Always loved the oh so ironic name "whisper chipper" lol! The oh chit bar on mine was non operational. That machine was a little scary to run.
     
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  14. bushpilot

    bushpilot

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    Went and looked at it today, and bought it. It was in great shape and ran well. The blades were dull, but that is easy enough to remedy, especially since there is a new spare set.


    Screenshot_2017-12-26-17-43-02.png
     
  15. Gasifier

    Gasifier

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    Congratulations! Run that over to my place and I’ll test it out for you for a week or two. Then give you a review and some pointers. I’m here for ya man.

    Oh. Your a little ways away.:emb:
     
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  16. J. Dirt

    J. Dirt

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    Awesome! Now let’s see a video of her blowing some chips! :thumbs: When you sharpen or replace the knives make sure you check and adjust the clearances and stuff if they are adjustable. It will help out big time as far as performance and headaches with plugging and or not wanting to eat correctly.
     
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  17. Kevin in Ohio

    Kevin in Ohio

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    Be sure to keep it greased as it will make it last a lot longer. I got a mid range self feeder and really like it. You can see it in my links below. One thing I'll mention is to avoid shoving a bunch of rotten stuff in it. That is the only time I've plugged mine as it is so wet and heavy it couldn't blow it out properly. I also found it really helpful to tack the bolts onto the knives. Saves having to clean the allens out to hold them. That is if your knives are that style.
     
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